Liposuction
Suction-assisted lipectomy-also known as liposuction, fat suction, or suction lipectomy-is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. The chin, neck, and cheeks; the upper arms and above the breasts; the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs; and the knees, calves, and ankles are the most common regions addressed. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localized fat that doesn't respond to dieting and exercise. If you're considering liposuction, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual person. Please ask Dr. Manis, Dr. Hvistendahl, or Dr. Poulos about anything you don't understand.
Liposuction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with us. The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in particular areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Most important, having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour.
At The Plastic Surgery Specialists, Dr. Manis, Dr. Hvistendahl, or Dr. Poulos use the most modern techniques of fat removal. By utilizing the VASER ultrasonic liposuction techniques that “melts” your fat prior to suctioning, our patients have experienced less pain and swelling after surgery compared to standard suction techniques. Improved smoothness and uniformity of the skin has also been noted after the VASER technique. The incisions from liposuction are small and strategically placed in natural folds to be hidden from view, and they are closed with absorbable sutures and tissue glue to prevent leaking which soils your garment. The procedure is performed in our accredited surgical suite, most commonly under general anesthesia administered by our board certified anesthesiologist.
Planning your liposuction surgery
During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie, and carefully assess your skin tone. Your doctor will explain any alternative body-contouring methods that may be appropriate, such as abdominoplasty or body lift, and discuss the options or the combination of procedures that would be best for you. During this consultation, be sure to tell us about any large weight losses or gains you've had at any time. You should also inform us if you smoke, and if you're taking medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. We will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your procedure will have to be postponed. While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and, if needed, to help you out for a day or two.
The procedure last from 30 minutes to hours, depending on locations and the volume of fat which needs to be removed. For small procedures under local anesthesia, you will feel some vibration and friction during the surgery. You may also feel a pinching sensation as the cannula moves closer to the muscle. However, for most procedures, general anesthesia is administered so you are completely asleep during the operation.
After your liposuction surgery
After surgery, a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking must be worn over the treated area to control swelling and bleeding. It will help your skin shrink to fit your new contour. You may need to wear this garment continuously for one to three weeks, but you can remove to take showers and if the garment needs to be cleaned. We may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Don't expect to look or feel great right after surgery. You'll even be heavier for a while, because of the extra fluids you've been given. The suctioned areas will be swollen and bruised, and you will feel sore. You may also temporarily lose all feeling in the suctioned area; don't worry — it will return.
It's not unusual to feel depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. Try to keep in mind that this is normal and will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
Getting back to normal after liposuction surgery
Healing is a gradual process. We will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible but to avoid more strenuous activity for two to four weeks. Any stitches will be removed in five to ten days or dissolve, and you should be back at work in 2 - 6 days after your surgery. When you resume activity depends on the extent of your procedure, how you feel and what your doctor recommends. While most of the swelling and discoloration will be gone a month or two after surgery, some swelling can remain for six months or more. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and to see if any additional procedures are needed.
Your new look after liposuction surgery
Suction-assisted lipectomy is a highly effective technique for giving you a new body contour with minimal scarring. The results can be permanent, providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly. If you do gain weight, you'll probably gain it more uniformly throughout your body, not just in the former "bulges."
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction — they feel more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes, and more at ease with their bodies. As long as your expectations are realistic, you should be happy with your new shape. We look forward to seeing you for your consultation at the Plastic Surgery Specialists.
Consult one of our board certified plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Specialists for a complete consultation regarding eyes/browlift and how it may improve your self confidence and restore a more youthful appearance to your skin.